Stephen R. Nichols is a systems engineering leader at Otis Elevator Company with interests in product development, architecture, innovation and strategy. Stephen is interested in finding simplicity in complex systems as well as the intersection of human experiences and people-centered design with vertical transportation technology, building ecosystems and urban environments. He is based at Otis’ engineering center and world headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut. He is a two-time U.S. National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering alumni and received the 2019 Gilbreth lectureship. He has earned degrees in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and several professional certificates including one in systems engineering from MIT.  He is a member of the Board of Directors for Ithaca College’s Cybersecurity Program and the New England Chapter of INCOSE. Since March 2020, Stephen has been focused on helping lead engineering, R&D, innovation, integration, and product management work for Otis’s global cross-functional rapid response task force focused on improving passenger health and confidence to ride elevators amid the COVID-19 pandemic.